Richard John Franz

Colonel Richard J. Franz, Our Patriarch, our Leader, our Hero. "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." - John Quincy Adams Colonel Franz was born in Cheney, Washington 10 April 1917, and left this world 29 February 2012. His loving family will not say goodbye, rather, "until next time." Survived by wife Audrey, daughter Marlyn (Buri), son John, four grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Dick lived a full and successful life, and would say his greatest achievement was his wonderful family. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Eastern Washington College in 1949, and his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Administration from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1950. His distinguished military career spanned over 20 years, and encompassed World War II and the Korean Conflict. He entered military service 22 November 1940. His early service was as a Pilot, Flying Instructor, Squadron, Squadron Commander and Director of Materiel. During World War II he served in the European Theatre of Operations, and his combat record includes forty combat hours, with three Bronze Service Stars for battle participation. Following service with the Far East Air Force he was assigned to Headquarters United States Air Force as a member of the Continental United States Defense Planning Group, Office of the Joint Chief of Staff. He was then appointed a member of the Key Facilities List Section, Office of the Joint Chief of Staff, and remained in this position until his assignment to the United States Air Force in Europe in July 1957. While in Europe he was assigned as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Materiel, Headquarters Third Air Force. Colonel Franz was assigned to Brookley Air Force Base, Alabama, in August 1960 as Chief, Plans and Management Division, Directorate of Materiel Management, and subsequently appointed to Inspector General, Mobile Air Materiel Area, Brookley Air Force Base, Alabama, on 30 January 1961. During his distinguished military career Colonel Franz had been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal and various service awards. He retired from the USAF with an aeronautical rating of Command Pilot. Dick always lived by a simple saying, "Treat others as you would want to be treated", and through his actions instilled this in his family as well. In recent weeks he had been dreaming often of flying his B-24 and other aircraft he had mastered. You're now free to soar again, Grandpa and the first "Usual" is always for you Service to be held at Tahoma National Cemetery March 8, 2012 at 1:15pm.